Cerebral Palsy

And if I can help them realize that, then I'm doing my job." couriernewsonline.com: Feedback Terms of Use and Privacy Policy ...

Lisa Carlton, R-Osprey, the Senate's lead budget negotiator.

Critics accuse the agency, which has a waiting list of almost 15,000 Floridians, of poor financial management, with spending on private vendors that provide services far outstripping what lawmakers budgeted.

Carlton and her House counterpart, state Rep.

Ray Sansom, R-Destin, approved the agency overhaul Friday, but they have not settled specifics on how spending reductions will be made.

A more detailed directive on how the agency should tighten its belt is expected to be included in the state's $70 billion-plus budget, which is still being readied for a final vote next week.

Although legislators have $1 billion in one-time money not yet earmarked, Carlton and Sansom said they are reluctant to plug long-term agency expenses with short-term cash.

Advocates said the Legislature's move will represent a 16 percent cut in the agency's budget and translate into reductions in group homes, training programs and the in-home services for disabled Floridians dependent on state financing.

"It certainly means services will be reduced or eliminated for many clients, and that's just not right," said John Askew, president and CEO of Sunr...

Flynn predicted that "the feeling of accomplishment" of those who finish the full race will be enhanced by knowing they've helped somebody else.

"We've been impressed by how determined and courageous Josh has been" during the recovery, Flynn added.

Bleill has a blog, www.joshbleill.blogspot.com.

One of the pictures shows him as President Bush pins the Purple Heart to his shirt.

In another, he's on a treadmill with his artificial legs.

He is smiling in both photos.

Jon Ealey, Catherine Taylor and Jenny Bitzan, three of the Purdue students who were en route to Louisville yesterday afternoon, said they were glad their marathon will help a Marine who went to Purdue.

"I mean it is an extraordinary thing," said Ealey, who has been running three or four days a week and will be in his first marathon.

"He's a Boilermaker, so helping him out sounded like the right thing to do." Taylor, 22, a senior majoring in health and fitness who also is a first-time marathoner, said she and the other students wanted to help even though none of them ...